Every time I see a decluttering calendar or hear a friend mention Marie Kondo's Netflix show, I'm excited and overwhelmed all at the same time.

My perfectionistic self craves the completeness of such a project—where you work your way from top to bottom, clearing out the corner of every cabinet, closet, and drawer.

But while most of us would agree a methodical sweep through our entire home might be ideal, we can't give the spark-joy test to every item we own in a single day (or week), unless we clear our calendars of everything else.

How to Declutter Your Home Fast

So perhaps instead of tackling a whole-house decluttering plan all at once, here's how to declutter your home fast: set your timer and tackle one of these ten clutter “hot spots” in the next ten minutes.

Then collect all the loose bandages and band-aids and corral them in a single container, organized by size.

4. Your makeup bag

Since you're already in the bathroom and just finished decluttering your medicine cabinet, move over to your makeup bag and use the same process! Dump out everything (yes, everything!) and sort it into three piles: Toss, Keep, and Evaluate.

If an item is empty or you know you don't like/want it (or it's expired!), toss it!

If an item is a favorite, keep it!

If you pick up an item and hesitate, put it in the Evaluate pile.

This is important: do not put anything in the Evaluate pile back into your makeup bag. Keep them out on the counter and give yourself one week to try out those items and make sure that's a shade of blush/lipstick/eyeshadow you actually like … if you do, great! Keep it. If not (or if you don't get around to trying it within one week), toss it.

5. Your purse

I know you don't want to, but this is one “hot spot” we absolutely have to tackle! Take that purse, flip it over, and dump it out. Again, sort everything into three piles: Toss, Keep, and Re-home.

Toss the gum wrappers. Keep the wallet and lipstick. Re-home the receipts to a receipt jar. Rinse and repeat. Then use smaller bags or an insert to organize what goes back inside your purse for easy access.

6. Phone Apps

Comb through your various phone apps (try not to get distracted by social media!) and delete the ones you don't use anymore or no longer need. Bonus perk: you'll free up space on your phone which will help it run a lot faster!

Have extra time? Organize the remaining apps into folders.

7. Your fridge and freezer

Any food that sports extra growth, freezer burn, or just looks (and smells!) a little funky, send it straight into the trash.

Don't forget to check expiration dates on all the sauces and dressings that hang out inside your refrigerator door, then add any condiments you need to restock to your grocery list.

9. Kitchen Countertops

The most visible way to declutter your home fast? Clear off counter clutter by washing dishes, throwing away junk mail, filing paperwork you need in the right location, and just doing a general tidy-up session.

When you see all that countertop space peeking up at you, everything will suddenly feel right in the world…at least for a little while! (You may even be inspired to try a new recipe!)

10. The Junk Drawer

Last, but not least, it's time to tackle the junk drawer. You know the one—the catch-all for items you have no idea where to store.

Dump everything out and say goodbye to anything you haven't reached for in months (or years). Then re-home any items you now have a spot for but forgot about because they were shoved in the very back. Oops!

When you choose one bite-sized task per day for the next ten days, you'll never be overwhelmed by a long-term purging spree again. Don't forget to download the printable checklist HERE to keep track (and use it again and again when you need a decluttering refresh!)

In fact, the next time you find yourself waiting for your computer to update (Apple hijacks mine at the most inconvenient times!) or dinner isn't quite done cooking yet, scan through your list to see what you can accomplish in the next 10 minutes.

Maybe, just maybe, you'll be ready for a whole house decluttering plan in the future. But for now? Let's keep it manageable, shall we?

What 10-minute area are you excited to tackle first?

Disclosure: Some of the links in the post above are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. Read my full disclosure policy here.

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Hi, I’m Kalyn—a recovering perfectionist who nerds out about organizing systems, personal productivity, and helping you prioritize what matters over the pressure to do it all. I have a feeling we’re about to become the best of friends! Learn more >>